Automation Integration Specialist

Company Description

Eurofins Forensic Services (EFS) is the largest forensic service provider in the UK and Europe. We are part of Eurofins Scientific, which is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on and forensics. Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic, and labelling is accurate. Eurofins is dedicated to delivering testing services that contribute to the health and safety of society and the planet, and to its corporate responsibility to protect the environment and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion across the entire network of Eurofins companies.

In over 35 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 61,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of ca. 900 laboratories in 61 countries. Eurofins companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products. In 2022, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR 6.7 billion and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.

Job Description

We are currently recruiting for Automation Integration Specialist to join our fantastic team at our site based in Birchwood Park, Warrington. If you are passionate about a rewarding career in Forensic testing and want to use your expertise to its full potential, then this is a great opportunity to join a well-established and successful market leading company with over 30 years’ experience in providing Forensic Services to the Police forces of England and Wales, as well as other commercial organisations and public sector bodies.

This is a truly exciting time to begin or continue your career with our first-class business, as a Automation Integration Specialist you will be responsible for the development and integration of automation platforms and software into our DNA laboratory workflows.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

The successful candidate will also be expected to:

• Integrate new and existing instrumentation through development of software and associated systems.
• Develop and write automation protocols on a range automated systems (e.g. Hamilton instruments)
• Participate in and/or lead planning of integration projects
• Analyse user requirements and ensure they are met in the validation of new processes, technical improvement projects and implementation of new technologies including project management of activities where appropriate
• Create test scripts and manage user acceptance testing of software solutions
• Monitor technical performance of key equipment and conduct regular system performance assessments.
• Support the investigation of quality incidents as required
• Support and promote continuous improvement and challenge processes that need improvement
• Performing cost-benefit analyses to support automation investments

Qualifications

We are looking for someone computer science/engineering degree or equivalent, alongside experience of automation systems development and integration. Previous laboratory workflow experience is preferable but not essential. You will be highly motivated, enthusiastic and possesses the competence and team spirit to support others and contribute to a positive culture. Here at EFS integrity and customer focus is at the heart of everything we do. We’re seeking an individual who not only embodies these principles but also brings quality, expertise, and a collaborative spirit to the team. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, capable of inspiring others, and able to remain organised and resilient in high-pressure situations. Additionally, the candidate should be willing to take on additional responsibilities to support the team and department when needed.

If you have knowledge of automation integration, then we would love to hear from you.

Required Knowledge, Experience and Technical Skills

• Detailed technical knowledge of the automation platforms and scripting - Experience with automation tools and software
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or certification in related field
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience in automation or related roles
• Expertise in connecting and streamlining systems, as well as validation requirements.
• Knowledge of SiLa integration standards and automation integration systems
• Knowledge of programming languages, design and development tools such as C++, Visual Basic.net, Java, Python or others depending on the needs of the project
• Flexible and creative thinker
• Proven ability to deliver on time
• Ability to build and develop effective relationships
• Ability to influence others
• Good verbal and written communication
• Excellent organisational skills

Preferred Knowledge, Experience and Technical Skills

• Demonstrable project management skills
• Awareness of laboratory workflows and/or DNA profiling techniques
• Lean Practitioner or equivalent 

Additional Information

Due to the highly sensitive nature of the work, applicants should note that security clearance is required for this role. To gain security clearance you must have five years continuous residency in the UK. Security clearance is undertaken by a third party to police personnel vetting standards (NPPV/3 and SC), as such any criminal convictions may prevent you from gaining security clearance. Further information on the security clearance process and requirement can be found at https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/police-forces/warwickshire-police/areas/warwickshire-police/about-us/about-us/police-national-vetting-service/. In addition, all successful applicants will be required to undertake drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment.

In return for your hard work and loyal service, we will offer you a competitive salary, and a selection of employee benefits via our flexible benefits menu which includes cycle to work, give as you earn, volunteering days, buy and sell holiday. In addition, we also offer the following:

• Life Assurance (3 times annual salary)
• Scottish Widows Company Pension Plan
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing to a maximum of 30 days)
• Employee length of service awards and yearly recognition schemes, celebrating work anniversaries here at EFS.
• Employee tech scheme
• Discount vouchers and flexi reward points on our employee wellness hub
• Everyone who joins EFS will have access to Perkbox allowing you to save money all year round on a wide range of perks such as supermarket savings, days out or your daily coffee
• Learning and study support
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health Cash Plan membership
• Enhanced company sick, maternity and paternity pay scheme
• Refer a friend scheme
• Subscription to mental health support and wellbeing
• Free on-site car parking